Getting a list of parts together that I'll need when I start the head swap in March on the 02 SPI. It hasn't blown yet and it's on limited usage right now. Going with Heads Only the $275 version. So far this is what I have:

Head Gasket
Valve Cover Gasket
Intake Gasket

And going to do these 2 while a part. Just changed the timing belt so will reuse it:
Water Pump
Timing belt tensor

375 Total so far and using all Fel-Pro gaskets. Not too bad if nothing else goes wrong in another 100k, AC is all new this year, transmission is shifting good and no rust. Anything else that I should add to the list?

Why not get the valves only head and save $50? I have bought 2 of thats guys valves only heads, pretty easy to transfer everything over. If you buy the head gasket set (I bought the one off ebay for $65 and the gaskets are quality gaskets, Eristic is the brand) it includes EVERYTHING you need for a head job including the head bolts (just be sure the listing says includes head bolts), the Fel-Pro set is nice but does NOT come with head bolts and is expensive. Also check ebay or amazon for the timing belt KIT that includes the water pump, timing belt and tensioner. Dont forget antifreeze, oil and filter. If you buy the heads only head be sure to get some assembly lube for the lifters/cam when you swap them over to the new head. PS- my 02 SPI took a crap last week at 98k miles, just got it rebuilt and running this past saturday.

__________________
Member of the Dropped Valve Seat Club.
Replaced #4 Piston, Rings, Rod+Bearings, AERA Re-Manufactured Cylinder Head and a light Hone. Then CLEANED the hell out of everything.
60k+ miles.

One of the benefits of a 'New' cast head is the known mileage - ZERO. If you use your parts from your head you at least know the mileage on them too.

A rebuilt head has an unknown amount of mileage and is most likely damaged, albeit vacuum/pressure tested. Plus it is rebuilt with parts with unknown mileage. Rebuilt could mean recycled two, three or more times and populated with parts tossed into a bin/floor.

This is the 'New' cast head company: J&C Enterprises Cylinder Head, 1-800-266-5599

__________________
Member of the Dropped Valve Seat Club.
Replaced #4 Piston, Rings, Rod+Bearings, AERA Re-Manufactured Cylinder Head and a light Hone. Then CLEANED the hell out of everything.
60k+ miles.

The guys that rebuild the heads are not going to spend the hours it takes to clean and rebuild a head if its "bad", pressure checking the head is all it needs to ensure a good head, then they mill them after the valve job for a fresh surface. They are just as good as a new cast head IMO but way cheaper. Were not driving 300+ HP performace cars that see 6k+ rpm a bunch of times daily, the rebuilt heads are fine. Get the $225 valve only heads from the bay and swap YOUR cam/lifters/rockers over, just be sure to use lots of assembly lube on the cam.

Disclaimer - I have no, had no, won't have any financial interest in the company.

From their web-site the current price of a 'New' cast head is $290.

'New' cast won't have any thread damage or won't have any stress damage in the combustion chamber or water jacket that could potentially lead to failure during future ignition, regardless of rpm. They won't have worn, oversized lifter bores.

__________________
Member of the Dropped Valve Seat Club.
Replaced #4 Piston, Rings, Rod+Bearings, AERA Re-Manufactured Cylinder Head and a light Hone. Then CLEANED the hell out of everything.
60k+ miles.

__________________
Member of the Dropped Valve Seat Club.
Replaced #4 Piston, Rings, Rod+Bearings, AERA Re-Manufactured Cylinder Head and a light Hone. Then CLEANED the hell out of everything.
60k+ miles.

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